Getting a health insurance quote in the UK isn’t just about price—it’s about understanding what’s included, what’s excluded, and how your personal profile affects the final premium. In 2025, insurers have become more transparent, but the quoting process still varies widely depending on age, location, and coverage preferences.
According to myTribe Insurance, the average monthly premium for a single adult is £79.59, but quotes can range from £28 to over £200 depending on factors like age, excess level, and whether outpatient cover is included. Their data is based on over 12,000 quotes collected from seven major UK insurers.
What Affects Your Quote?
When requesting a quote, insurers typically ask for:
- Age: Older applicants pay more—sometimes 4–5x the rate of younger adults
- Location: Premiums are higher in urban areas like London
- Medical History: Pre-existing conditions may be excluded or require underwriting
- Coverage Level: Inpatient-only vs full outpatient and mental health cover
- Excess: Higher excess = lower monthly premium
Some insurers also offer discounts for healthy lifestyle choices. Vitality, for example, reduces premiums for users who complete health checks and maintain activity levels. WPA and The Exeter allow flexible excess adjustments and modular coverage, which can help tailor quotes to your budget.
Digital quote tools have improved significantly. Platforms like MoneySupermarket and Howden Life & Health offer side-by-side comparisons, while some insurers now provide instant quotes via mobile apps. These tools allow users to tweak coverage levels and see real-time price changes.
Tips for Getting the Best Quote
Martin Lewis’ 2025 guide to private medical insurance, published via WeCovr, recommends starting with a clear understanding of what you actually need. If you’re primarily concerned about hospital stays and diagnostics, an inpatient-only plan may suffice. If you want access to private GPs, mental health support, or physiotherapy, you’ll need a more comprehensive policy.
Here are a few strategies to reduce your quote:
- Choose a higher excess (£250–£500)
- Opt for guided care networks
- Exclude outpatient cover if not essential
- Use a broker for tailored advice
- Apply as a couple or family for multi-person discounts
It’s also worth checking if your insurer offers no-claims discounts or loyalty perks. Some providers reduce premiums after 12 months without a claim, while others offer fixed-rate contracts for 2–3 years.
Before accepting any quote, read the policy documents carefully. Look for exclusions, claim limits, and renewal terms. Some plans auto-renew with price increases, while others require re-underwriting after a set period.
Health insurance quotes aren’t just numbers—they’re reflections of your health profile, lifestyle, and risk tolerance. By comparing carefully and asking the right questions, UK residents can secure better coverage at a fair price in 2025.
